It sounds so simple, but it’s a technique that may save the life of a coronavirus patient: lying PRONE (that is, in layman’s terms: lying on your belly).
It has been known for years that lying ventilated patients prone in the Intensive Care Unit, with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), can drastically help improve oxygenation to the bloodstream. Prior research suggests that 70 percent of patients benefit from this simple maneuver. But how does this happen?
There are many theories as to how lying prone helps deliver more oxygen to your blood, but the main benefits are based on improved respiratory mechanics, ability of the lungs to expand, and a redistributed blood supply to different (usually less-perfused) regions of the lungs. It may also help with getting rid of excess secretions.
We are currently awaiting the results of more trials on general medical patients—but I can report that my hospital is now encouraging all coronavirus patients to do this, especially if we see them at risk of deteriorating or increased nasal cannula oxygen requirements.
Could this even be useful at home if you have COVID? It’s possible. What a simple and easy thing to do, that could bring tremendous benefits.
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